But now the jeweller has stepped out from behind her trade-only business and branched into retail with her store, Ballarat Jewellers Studio.

“The thing I want for my clients is that peace of mind that when I meet with them, that they know that I will be the one repairing or making their special piece,” Ms McMickan said.

“Often when you take something into a shop, you don’t get to talk to the person who is doing it (the repair work).”

Last year, Ms McMickan made special game rings for the Ballarat High School boys first crew that won the 2014 Head of the Lake, including her son Jacob.

“I wanted to make them a pendant with an oar on it but they came back to me and said they wanted a game ring, like the NBA.

“They love them. I noticed they were all wearing them at their awards night recently.”

Ms McMickan’s love of jewellery-making was sparked by a six-month silversmithing course under teacher Keith Page-Sharp at the then Ballarat and Clarendon College.

In 1980, she left school and began a four-year jewellery apprenticeship

at F.C. Johns in the Bridge Mall.

Following that, she began doing tradework for several shops and built up her own personal clientele on the side.

“I like getting something that’s wrecked and bringing it back to life. I love doing things up,” she said.

However, she also likes making one-off original pieces, such as engagement rings.

“I particularly love being part of the engagement secret.

“It’s a real honour. The guys sneak in here. It’s really nice.”

In fact, Ms McMickan is often invited to the subsequent engagement parties, with one already marked on the calendar for February 14.

Ballarat Jewellers Studio is located in the Ballarat Business Centre, 15 Dawson Street South, with opening hours Monday to Thursday 9.30am until 3pm or by appointment.

For more information, contact Ms McMickan on 5364 2948 or 0427 346 467.